Since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, I’ve found myself reflecting more and more on the visible and not so visible legacy it has left on our cities. This phenomenon isn’t confined to a single location; it’s a shared experience across numerous European cities. A troubling trend has emerged: once vibrant cultural hubs have given way to a combination of empty buildings and dereliction, which erodes the appeal to residents, tourists and businesses alike. Diminished foot traffic, decay and declining property values threaten the viability of the remaining businesses, jeopardising their long-term sustainability. The upshot is neglect and a sense of insecurity.
This issue has the potential to spiral into a self-perpetuating cycle. As these problems persist, they become increasingly entrenched and harder to rectify. Convincing workers to return to offices or attracting new tenants to fill empty properties becomes an uphill battle when safety concerns loom large. Tourists too are put off by negative images.
The November riot in Dublin is a stark reminder of the city centre’s deterioration
Cautionary tale
The shocking outbreak of violence in Dublin last November, when a riot followed an earlier knife attack, served as a stark reminder of the city centre’s deterioration, which had been building for years. While the trigger for the violence had a specific act, it was the inevitable culmination of longstanding neglect. The global attention generated by the visceral images of violence should serve as a wake-up call for other cities. It is a cautionary tale that underscores the urgency of addressing urban blight before it escalates further.
In the aftermath of the November riot, Irish authorities rightfully prioritised law enforcement efforts to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the violence. However, recognition of the deeper systemic issues is essential, which is why the announcement of a multi-agency taskforce, led by respected executive David McRedmond, who has transformed the fortunes of a number of large companies, marks a crucial step towards restoring Dublin’s reputation. It should also act as a template for others to follow. If Dublin can fall into decline, so can any city.
With representatives from government agencies, local authorities, businesses groups, unions, creative industries, transportation authorities and police, the taskforce has been given a 12-week timeline to devise solutions.
The tight timeframe doesn’t allow for much in-depth diagnosis of what some see as much more fundamental economic and social issues. The problems have been there in plain sight for years for anyone who wanted to look. What’s more important are outcomes.
A slick marketing campaign to tempt visitors back isn’t the solution
Real change
Far too often in these situations there are those who think a slick marketing campaign to tempt visitors back into the city centre is the solution. That won’t cut it. The changes that are needed won’t involve radical measures, but they do require a comprehensive and coordinated approach and the determination to see reforms through.
Nothing will change without a sense that safety is the key priority. A visible police presence throughout the day in high-profile locations, which of course involves a reallocation of manpower and resources from other operations, is needed to convince people the city is a safe destination to live and work.
We also need to end the appearance of dereliction. We know commercial real estate is suffering as working from home profilerates. Can those buildings be repositioned? I’ve argued before that there is potential for some to be converted into residential use with a bit of creativity. Those that can’t should be acquired by local authorities for redevelopment, along with the creation of more central open spaces.
By investing in vibrant, inclusive and resilient urban spaces, cities can enhance their competitiveness, attract businesses and foster economic growth, ensuring a prosperous future for all stakeholders.
